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Big 12 Football: Week 1 Power Rankings

By VF Castro

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns players lift up head coach Charlie Strong after the victory against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns players lift up head coach Charlie Strong after the victory against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomet II (5) passes over Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks defensive lineman Darrell Vanerson (96) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomet II (5) passes over Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks defensive lineman Darrell Vanerson (96) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech gets a higher ranking because the numbers in its 69-17 victory against Stephen F. Austin were phenomenal, and exactly the confidence booster Tech needs as it faces the Arizona State Sundevils next weekend in Tempe, Ariz.

Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes targeted 15 different receivers on 30/43 of his passes for 483-yards, four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Backup QB Nic Shimonek also added to the stat line by targeting two more receivers and scoring a touchdown. In addition, Tech reduced penalties significantly and appears to have a solid front four on defense. If it can continue to stress accountability, I see the defense matching the offense in no time, but in man-to-man coverage, the Red Raiders will need to tighten up.

Tech’s 69 points against Stephen F. Austin were the most points scored in an opening night in Red Raider history, so Tech should have a great mentality coming into to ASU prep week. And for Big 12 fans who haven’t experienced #Pac12AfterDark, Saturday should be a fun surprise.

Next Game:

Sat, Sep 10 Arizona State vs. Texas Tech Tempe, Ariz. 9:00 p.m.
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